Jose Mourinho and his men are all set to welcome Bradford City in an appalling fourth round FA Cup fixture at Stamford Bridge this weekend. By no means, can we speak of this fixture without touching on the host’s 3-0 scoreline against their Hertfordshire rivals Watford FC. Mourinho might seem contented at the overall form of his side at the threshold of the FA Cup game. In fact, it might be just another opportunity for the boss to forge ahead with his “Rotation” policyspeak and deploy more of the younger lot, while giving a break to the regular ones post a hectic Christmas and New Year spell.
If anticipations go right then, the Bantams are likely to face a reorganised Chelsea side from the one which drew 1-1 against Liverpool in the first leg in the midweek semi-final of the League Cup. Interestingly, provided the scoreline speaks in favour of the Blues, they might be having the Premier League title on one hand, while, making it to the Capital One Cup and filling in the bill to the fifth round of the F.A Cup.
All that said, you need no rocket science to deduce that, the Blues have quite an engrossing week on the knocks. Meanwhile, Phil Parkinson’s Bradford City had to come across Halifax Town, Dartford and Millwall to get a shot at the big-league fixture and the Bradford boss would definitely want his men to savor the fighting chance presented to them this weekend. The League One side would be yearning to create a major-league flip out among the Premier League sovereigns. Undoubtedly, it will not be easy a game for the Blues to put together. Nonetheless, Mourinho has the lucky break of a completely fit squad, as he aspires on the ninth win in twelve match-ups in all competitions.
Team News and Predictions:
Good news is that, Thibaut Courtois is back to the squad post recovery from a finger injury. The Belgian was recalled to the bars in the League Cup fixture against Liverpool and he was quite impressive. However, Mourinho has confirmed that Petr Cech will be taking charge between the posts.
Inferring to the defence line up, Branislav Ivanović continues to be Mourinho’s revered ordination for the right back slot. Meanwhile, skipper John Terry might be given the day off and Kurt Zouma is expected to star in the central defence with Gary Cahill chipping in at the back. The defence has hardly spared any scope of complaint for Mourinho and the latter would love to keep it tight down the back on this occasion too.
Meanwhile, Cesc Fàbregas and Nemanja Matic might get a time off on Saturday, while John Obi Mikel and Ramires might be deployed at the center of the park in all probability. Willian, on the other hand, continues to make headways with his energetic performances and thus, remains one on whom Mourinho would like to bet his bottom dollar at Stamford. Andre Schurrle’s vitiating vigor and deftness in scoring makes him a top contender in the midfield; undoubtedly, a player whom the Bantams would watch out for. Mohamed Salah might also come in handy at the park.
Stamford Bridge might miss out Diego Costa in action on Saturday. The striker has been playing round the clock and needless to say, that it’s high time the Spaniard gets a break. That being said, Loic Remy is expected to lead the Chelsea attack against the Bantams.
Lots of action in store at Stamford Bridge this weekend. Meanwhile, here is our pick on the projected lineup of the Blues against Bradford City FC:
- Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
- Defence: Branislav Ivanović, Gary Cahill, Kurt Zouma, Filipe Luis
- Midfield: John Obi Mikel, Ramires, Willian, Mohamed Salah
- Forward: Loic Remy
League Standing: 1
League Points: 52
League Form: DWWWL
Possible Formation: 4-2-3-1
